Telstra to eliminate over 200 positions during AI implementation

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, more than 200 Telstra jobs are set to be eliminated, as the telecommunications giant embraces new AI technologies and shifts some roles to India.

In a significant partnership, Telstra and technology consultancy Accenture joined forces in a $700 million joint venture (JV) in 2025 aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, modernization, and overall productivity within the organization.

On Tuesday, a spokesperson for the joint venture confirmed that the team had been informed of proposed changes impacting the workforce. This includes potential role reductions due to decreased need for certain positions and the transfer of some responsibilities to the JV team based in India.

Should these changes move forward, the spokesperson added, employees affected would be supported in their search for new job opportunities either within Telstra or at Accenture, along with access to a comprehensive career transition program and retrenchment benefits.

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The proposed changes are part of a strategy to leverage Accenture’s global reach, extensive AI expertise, and specialized hub in India to expedite the execution of Telstra’s data and AI strategy.

The goal is to realize improved cost efficiencies over time, ultimately enhancing the experience for Telstra’s customers.

As it stands, approximately 209 positions are at risk of being cut.

In 2024, Telstra announced plans to shed 2,800 positions within its enterprise sector, which primarily services business clients and government entities. Notably, these reductions did not impact retail customers, as the company clarified at the time. Read more.

By May 2025, Telstra’s management indicated that advancements in “AI efficiencies” would facilitate a reduction in workforce over the ensuing years, with a target of AM 2030.

Telstra’s CEO, Vicki Brady, emphasized that AI represents a major breakthrough in optimizing workforce capabilities.

She noted that Agentic AI, which functions autonomously, would collaborate closely with Telstra employees.

Similarly, Optus has indicated that AI will play a critical role in the telecommunications sector but has maintained that human input will remain vital.

Upon announcing their joint venture, Telstra expressed confidence in it driving productivity and growth by fortifying their advancements in developing a sophisticated data and AI ecosystem, modernizing data and AI platforms, and proactively integrating responsible AI into their operations.

“We are stepping into a new era marked by AI-driven transformation,” asserted Accenture’s chair and CEO, Julie Sweet, during the announcement.